190
David
The sun's warm rays filtered through the car window, casting a golden hue over everything as Amos navigated through the bustling streets of Blood Moon City. I couldn't help but smile to myself, a contentedness settling over me that was as soothing as the gentle breeze ruffling my hair. It was a feeling that had become increasingly familiar ever since Lucy had really stepped back into my life.
As the car hummed along, my thoughts drifted, weaving between the present and the future. The Crescent Moon Festival was in a few weeks, and the excitement in the air was palpable. A sense of anticipation mingled with the energy of all the supernatural cities and even the mundane task at hand – getting fitted for tuxedos – couldn't dampen my spirits.
Last night, I had nearly kissed Lucy.
No. Last night, Lucy had wanted me to kiss her.
I couldn’t even pay attention to whatever Trent, Duke, and Amos were chatting about as I thought about the way she had looked up at me. I was a little frustrated by Lucian’s sudden appearance, but I grinned.
He had all but given me permission to give Lucy something branded with my pack on it. If that wasn’t a blessing from a familial alpha, I didn’t know what was.
“Earth to David,” Trent said from the back seat. “Come back from Lucy-La-La Land.”
Duke burst into laughter, and I huffed.
“Now that I think about it, what the hell was that, Amos? All of you—“
“Got out of your way so you could have a proper, safe date?” Trent asked. “You’re welcome. I want a raise.”
I scoffed. “A raise, my ass.”
They laughed, and the conversation meandered from the upcoming ball to the various festival events that would follow. The games, the music, the laughter – it was a chance for the supernatural community to come together, to celebrate, and to set aside the tensions that often brewed beneath the surface. At least, I hoped it stayed that way.
“What about Oren?” I asked. “Any word?”
“He disemboweled a bunch of reps and isn’t getting more than a slap on the wrist.” Trent scoffed. “To be expected… Let’s talk about something happy. I hear someone got a familiar.”
Duke flushed. “Yeah… That happened.”
“Is that why you're looking pretty chipper," Amos remarked, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
Duke shrugged, offering a sheepish smile. "Guess I'm just excited for the festival. It'll be a good time to let loose. Maggie’s… tough, but I’m learning a lot."
Trent chuckled, his eyes reflecting the amusement that danced through his voice. "That’s more than enough of an excuse."
As the good-natured ribbing continued, my mind wandered back to Lucy. The thought of dancing with her at the ball, her smile lighting up the night like a thousand stars, sent a thrill of anticipation coursing through me. It was a sensation that never failed to make my heart race, a reminder of how powerful and exhilarating this connection between us was.
“Speaking of Maggie, where is he? Is he not coming?”
I smiled to my lips. "Hito's not a big fan of Western clothing. He's more comfortable in his country’s traditional attire."
Trent arched an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "He always causes a scene. I think he enjoys it.”
“Probably,” I said. “You’ll probably end up fitted for something more his style if he’s going to keep you as an apprentice.”
Duke frowned. “You… think he’ll get rid of me?”
“If he hasn’t already, he’s not going to.”
Amos pulled the car to a stop, and we climbed out, the bustling activity of the city surrounding us. As we entered the tailor's shop, they greeted us and locked the door behind us. Rows of suits lined the walls. The barrier went up as they started to measure us. The old man who ran the shop smiled at me.
“Perhaps this year, you will let me make you a suit?”
I blinked and hesitated before nodding. “I have a date this year. I should look my best.”
His eyes brightened, and he hustled me towards a podium. As the tailor's tape measured and draped, I found myself caught in a daydream, my thoughts drifting to Lucy once again. It was a daydream filled with flashes of twirling under moonlit skies, her laughter mingling with the music, and the way her eyes would light up when they met mine.
And amid the laughter and chatter of my friends, a sense of contentment settled over me, like a calm before a storm of emotions that the Crescent Moon Festival was sure to bring.
"So, David, how was your night with Lucy?" Duke asked with a sly grin.
I couldn't help but feel a faint flush creep up my cheeks.
"It was great," I replied, hoping my voice didn't betray the fondness that lingered in my thoughts.
Amos chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, so great that you couldn't even make it to breakfast this morning?"
Trent joined in the teasing, a playful glint in his eyes. "Yeah, I heard the food got cold waiting for you."
I sighed, trying to steer the conversation away from my personal life. "You guys really need to find new hobbies."
Duke's grin only widened. "Come on, David. You've had that dreamy look on your face all morning. Blue didn’t even scold you."
I rolled my eyes, pretending exasperation. "And you've got a date with Maggie, don't you?"
Duke's cheeks flushed, but he didn't back down. "He’s my mentor. That was mean.”
“I think you’ll be cute together,” Amos laughed. His voice shook the air. “He’s nicer to you than he is to anyone else.”
As we continued with the fitting, the topic shifted to more serious matters. Amos and Trent brought up pack affairs in the context of the Crescent Moon Festival. It wasn't just a night of celebration – it was also a time for leaders to discuss alliances, show strength, and project unity.
Amos leaned against the wall, his expression thoughtful. "We're not the only pack that sees the potential of this festival, you know. The other alphas will be watching, sizing each other up like always. We’ll have to watch Lucian’s back for him."
Trent nodded in agreement. “Is she going to be wearing the White Moon Crest?”
I adjusted my collar. “Lucian has… let it be an option that she wears mine.”
Silence stretched between us. Trent let out a low whistle.
“If that’s not going to start a fight, I don’t know what will.”
Amos hummed. “Not just with Blue Moon, but everyone who he has in his back pocket.”
I nodded. “I’ve let it be her choice.”
“You clearly have a preference,” Trent sighed. “You have to get this from your Xavier. I don’t remember Delilah ever being contrary.”
I laughed. As the tailor hurried away with his measurements and I got dressed again, I found myself lost in thought. The Crescent Festival loomed on the horizon, and while its magic and excitement were palpable, so was the undercurrent of politics and power struggles. It was a reminder that even amidst celebration, the weight of leadership and responsibility never truly lifted. But amid it all, my thoughts invariably drifted back to Lucy. The thought of dancing with her, of holding her close as the moonlight bathed us in its glow, filled me with a warmth that was undeniable.
As the fitting came to an end and we stepped back out onto the bustling streets, I couldn't help but notice how stiff Duke was.
“What’s wrong?”
Duke's brows furrowed slightly as he glanced between me, Amos, and Trent. "I didn't think I'd be allowed to sit in on Blood Moon discussions. Wasn’t all that pack business?"
I patted Duke on the back reassuringly. "You're family now, Duke. No need to worry about that."
Amos nodded in agreement. "He's right. And it's always good to have a fresh perspective. What do you think we should do?"
I nodded. “Not just about the politics, but the security of everyone… You’ll be with Hito for most of the night, so I’m not terribly worried about you.”
Trent snorted. “You think he’ll bring his sword?”
“He has a sword?”
“Hell yeah,” Amos cheered. “Maybe we should pull out the old armor. Thought?”
I went still and looked at Amos. “That’s… not a bad idea.”
The more I thought about it, the more sense it made. Making sure Lucy was safe was going to be hard enough, but since we were basically picking a fight, we might as well show up like we were.
I turned back and led them back to the shop.
“Yes?” The tailor asked, looking at me bewildered.
“We’re wearing armor.”
He blinked and had a vicious grin. “You do so take after your ancestors.”
“What?”
“Every time a man of your family brought a date for the first time, he wore armor.” He grinned. “No worries, I know just who to call.”
Amos chuckled. “I can’t say if he’s happier than I am about this decision.”
“Probably,” Trent said. “He’s been itching to make David a proper tuxedo for years.”
Amos sighed. "The Crescent Festival is going to be quite the spectacle this year."
“Are you really wearing armor?” Duke asked. “With a tuxedo?”
“We all are,” I said, looking at him. “And we’ll all be armed, and I mean armed to the teeth. We won't start anything, but we can't afford to be caught off guard."
The tailor laughed. “That’s the Blood Moon spirit!”
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